One of the best parts of travel is the anticipation that comes with an upcoming trip. And right now, I’m full to the brim with anticipation. On April first, I will be boarding a plane for Cusco, Peru! Okay. Not exactly accurate. I will be boarding a plane for Mexico City, then Lima, Peru, then Cusco, Peru! It’s going to be a damn long day. But, seriously. This will be the most awesome trip since the history of awesome.

Why, you ask? Because I’ve wanted to take this trip for probably five years. I even planned it. Twice. And finally. Finally, finally, finally — I’m going! My little self is doing kartwheels in my head right now. That’s how excited I am. (I would do actual kartwheels outside, but it’s a little late and kind of cold.)

I work at a private school, and we get two weeks off for spring break. I had debated taking this trip over winter break, but I decided to move into my awesomesauce apartment instead. It was a good move — I love the new place. But the trip truly couldn’t be put off much longer. My heart couldn’t take it. Spring break it is!

My friend, Christy, and I fly out on the same day. We’ll meet at the airport in Cusco and head off to start the adventure! (I know. Way too many exclamation points in this post. But I can’t help it, peeps!! Excited, I tell you.) We’ll stay in Cusco a couple of days then be whisked away by train to Aguas Calientes. Although Aguas Calientes has been described as the hole of all holes when it comes to tourist towns, we’re going to make it amazing. We’ve got hikes planned up some pretty intimidating mountains (which include some pretty steep ladders). We’ve got food plans. Because you can’t visit Peru without tasting the guinea pig. (Sorry Mr. Guinea. You were a good pet.) We’ve got early morning treks to Machu Picchu and photography and videos and dancing in the street planned. At the end of our time together we’ll spend a couple of days in Ollantaytambo. Who the hell knows what we’re gonna do there. But I can promise, you’ll hear all about it when we do it.

After a week in the Cusco area, Christy goes home (sad face). But I go to the Amazon rainforest (big ass happy face!). Oh yes. I’ll be sleeping in a room with 3.5 walls, staring through my mosquito net into the jungle at night. Creepers. But all kinds of amazing. I’m going to climb trees! I’m going to kayak! I’m going to bird watch and hike and wander and get lost (but not too lost, ’cause I’ll have a guide).

I’m not sure the word anticipation quite explains what I’m feeling right now. Freedom? Exhilaration? Child-like wonder? But whatever it is — I’ll take some more of that, please.

Heather Rae

Photographer. Traveler. Storyteller. On the adventure of a lifetime. I'm a fan of running in mud, long conversations in little cafes, climbing mountains, watching waves. What's In Search of Squid? Quite simply, my quest to have it all.

Contact

I would love to hear from you. Questions, comments, requests, rants. Send them my way! Please come visit my new website at heatherraemurphy.com for contact information.